Page 49 of Hearts Aweigh

E MILY AND G ERRY STOOD OUTSIDE Daisy and Althea’s cabin door. A stream of passengers rambled down the hallway. Several groups swerved around a couple at the end who were arguing about where to eat dinner.

Gerry frowned at them. “They could use our help.”

Emily didn’t even turn. “We barely have enough time to service our current client.”

“Doesn’t help that two of our crew aren’t answering their walkie-talkies. It would’ve saved us the long walk.”

Emily pounded on the door. It opened to reveal a sleepy Daisy. “Where’s your walkie-talkie?”

Daisy yawned. “It ran out of battery.” She allowed her friends into the small cabin.

Gerry crossed the threshold. “Your son’s looking for you.”

“I’m well aware.” Daisy ambled to her closet. She chose a black cashmere cardigan and slipped her right arm through the sleeve. “That’s why I avoided him until the cruise ended in Galveston and he debarked.”

“Bad news.” Emily leaned her cane against the desk. “He reboarded.”

“He what?” Daisy stalled with her sweater halfway on. “But … but why—”

Althea wandered out of the bathroom. “Did you say Spencer’s back?”

“With a vengeance,” Gerry said.

The soft material of the sleeve bunched around Daisy’s elbow. “Why can’t he accept I’m not returning to New Orleans?” She yanked the sweater off and chucked it on the floor. “I’ve told him until I’m blue in the face.”

Emily sank to a corner of the single bed on the left. “From what I saw in the lobby, you may only be half the reason for his return. He looked none too happy when Abby refused to be his nanny valet.”

“Good for her.” Althea’s lips thinned. “That boy has twisted her heart like a kid with a piece of string.”

Daisy worried her fingers. “I hope he doesn’t hurt her again.”

Emily grabbed her cane. “The best thing we can do is divert Abby’s attention to someone else. Let’s inform her of our new choice. She should be excited to learn we’ve arranged a date with Dr. Grant for this evening.”

The Shippers left the cabin but had to squeeze past someone standing on a ladder in front of the door. They swerved around the metal rungs. Barney stood at the top. One hand held the rounded dome from the security camera, and the other gripped a screwdriver.

“There’s my favorite passengers.” He saluted them with the tool. “Are you making trouble again?”

“Always.” Althea patted his tennis shoe. “What brings you to our hallway, baby?”

He extended the rounded glass cover her direction. Emily peered at the object. A large crack covered half the dome.

“What happened?”

He growled. “Some kids were playing softball in the hallway. No parents in sight.” Barney unscrewed a metal plate above the camera. He checked the connection for each cable.

Gerry withdrew her notebook and scribbled as he worked. “Is that an Ethernet cable?” She slipped her pen behind her ear.

“It is.” Barney wiggled the thick white wire. “I’m impressed, Ms. Paroo. You know your security equipment. Were you a guard in your former life?”

“Librarian.” She shoved between Emily and Althea, placed a foot on the bottom rung, and hauled herself up. The metal ladder rocked.

“Whoa, whoa!” Barney propped his forearm against the wall for support, his eyes squeezed shut.

“Careful, dear,” Emily said. “We don’t want to order a cane for you too.”

Gerry stretched to get a closer look. “I’ve been researching the different types of cables. Isn’t it true Ethernet connections are capable of recording audio?”

“A-audio?” Barney lifted a shaky hand from the wall and ran it over his bald spot. “Well, yes. But we don’t listen in on the passengers, if that’s what you’re worried about. The cameras are muted. We use them for surveillance. To make sure the Buckingham is safe and sound.”

Emily pressed against Gerry and said, “But it is possible to hear someone through the camera? If it was unmuted.”

“Well”—he leaned his head to the side—“I suppose it’s possible. But cruise lines don’t use the feature. Too much gray area with privacy issues.”

“I knew it!” Gerry slapped the side of the ladder.

It jiggled again, and Barney clutched the dome and screwdriver to his torso with a moan.

“Can I help you ladies?” an unhelpful-sounding voice said.

Mr. Everson approached their group, his requisite sunglasses firmly in place.

“Hey, Sarge,” said Barney.

“Uh-oh, time to scoot.” Althea grabbed the tail of Gerry’s shirt and tugged. “Leave poor Barney alone. Can’t you see he’s green from all the swaying? He’s just a phone call away if you need more information.” She glanced at the man. “Right, baby?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He gave a grateful if somewhat quivery smile.

Mr. Everson marched to the ladder. Even though the sunglasses hid his eyes, he still managed to give the impression he was glaring at Gerry.

She stepped off the bottom rung, slipped her pen from behind her ear, and wrote with a hurried scrawl. “Hidden cables. Perfect for a murder.”

A frustrated rumble issued from Everson’s throat.

“Murder!” Barney’s complexion switched from green to pale.

“Don’t listen to her, dear.” Emily winked at him. “You’ve been a great help, as always. I owe you one.”

“What about the text you sent? Didn’t you want to set me up with a date?”

“Ah yes.” Emily rubbed her nose. “I’m sorry. That particular plan didn’t come about. But I’ll keep you in mind for the future.”

“Great.” His answer wasn’t enthusiastic.

“Don’t look so glum. Next time we’re in port, I’ll be sure to buy you some sugary bunuelos.”

“Promise?” He brightened.

Althea patted his shoe again. “Barney’s got a sweet tooth as big as mine.”

Everson moved in front of the ladder like a barrier. “If you ladies are finished distracting my team member, he’ll get back to work.”

Barney sighed. “Thanks, Sarge.”

Emily’s nose lifted. “He’s not the only one with work to do. Come on, girls. It’s time to introduce Abby to her future.”